Saturday, January 31, 2009

South Pacific and Polynesia are often synonymous with Tahiti.At the airport, the perfume of the islands permeates the air - because Polynesian beauties hand Tahitian gardenias to arriving passengers. The road to downtown Papeete turns out to be clogged in commuter traffic, but the view of Tahiti's sister island Moorea calms frazzled nerves.Papeete, capital of French Polynesia, seen from the mountain behind the city.Singing in a church choir is an integral part of a Polynesian woman's life.Hanging out on a bridge with the guys is a favorite pastime.These kids revitalize the old games of coconut toss and coconut race under the guidance of village 'elders.' Papeete's market is popular with locals and tourists.Outrigger Tahiti Iti, the smaller part of TahitiSunset over Papeete's harborLocals and tourists alike have dinner at the Roulottes in Papeete's ferry harbor.

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Another day stuck in snow in NJ. I'd rather think of summer. This fountain in Rostock is an ingenious way to let small children have some safe summer fun. A ring of clean water geysirs surround the actual fountain in the center.

Monday, January 26, 2009

I know it's only January and there is snow on the ground in my present neck of the woods. Another snow storm is in the forecast for this week. Never mind.In the former German Democratic Republic, small children were allowed in the town's fountains for splash and games. I saw it in Greifswald (photo) and also in Rostock.

Sunday, January 25, 2009

When this fountain was unveiled, staid burghers went into shock. Located in front of a large parking garage downtown, lots of visitors get to stop, gawk, and discuss. The Baby The Bathers The Beauty and the Leering Dogs, Pigs, and Monkeys.

Saturday, January 24, 2009

At the very left, have a peek at Karle's fountain. Dedicated to Karle Fasnacht, the quintessential 'Konschtanzer', this fountain has a drinking cup for dogs at its bottom (backside) The former fishmarket with its monumental modern fountain has evolved into an outdoor restaurant that is very popular with our Swiss neighbors on their shopping trips to Euroland. This type of traditional fountain used to grace squares and plazas all throughout medieval cities.

Friday, January 23, 2009

As it behooves a town t/dripping history, fountains old are preserved and new ones built. The town is represented by the lady. The bunny is one of the children's favorite figures. 'Lake bunny' (seriously) is what the people here call themselves. It's also the name of the local train, the TV and the radio stations.

The three birds of a feather symbolize the three popes the Konstanz Council replaced with a new one. It took state and church four years to reorganize from 1414 -1418, execute reformer Johan Hus despite the emperor's promise to protect his life, produce lots of illegitemate children, and keep the entire region hopping, the absolute highlight in this small town's entire life.

The horse is a great hit. All the visiting children want to ride on it

The other statues are all memories of the town's illustrous past, kings, emperors, whoever made the who's who list in the last one thousand years.

Did I mention that Konstanz has been in existence with her present name for 2 000 years? The Romans founded it as a castellum to protect the ford, but people have lived here since neolithic times.

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Frigid temperatures in NJ and in FL remind me of carnival in Southern Germany where the temperatures were always freezing. The fountain's figurines are dresssed warmly. The "Nightgown Jokel" (Hemdglonker) makes fun of the cold (or you). The Raggedy Boys (Blaetzlebuebe) are covered in felt.